Iran Rejects US Ceasefire Proposal via Iraqi PM, Citing Strait of Hormuz Control

Washington DC. Iran has rejected the US ceasefire proposal that came via the Iraqi Prime Minister, it has been reported. The New York Times has reported this news, quoting Iranian and Iraqi officials. Although all details of the proposal have not been made public, according to Iranian officials, Tehran is not interested in a temporary agreement that does not resolve the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz.

CNN contacted the White House for a reaction on this matter, but no immediate reaction was received, the news said. The news of the proposal's rejection comes amid nearly two weeks of ongoing military attacks between the US and Iran. Iran has continued to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz even after the US naval blockade was reimposed, and is also attacking US targets in the Middle East. In response, the US has been conducting airstrikes on military bases and infrastructure across Iran.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi visited Tehran on Thursday after meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House last week. Although Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had stated before the visit that al-Zaidi might bring messages or views from Trump, Iran made it clear that it was not seeking further mediation with the US.

Araghchi, speaking to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, accused the US of being the main obstacle to talks. According to him, the path to a solution has been blocked due to the US's imprudent, overly interventionist, and hegemonic policies. On the other hand, President Trump also made strong remarks on Thursday, accusing Iran of not being ready for a deal and of having bad intentions by its leaders.